Willard Saulsbery of Willard, MO passed away at home on Monday May 18, 2026. He was born in Poplar Bluff, MO, Wednesday March 1 st , 1950 at 1:04 am to Estle Eugene Saulsbery and Jessie Louise (Uhl) Saulsbery.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Connie Godfrey Saulsbery; his children, Brandie Marsden and husband, Brian, Michelle Saulsbery and husband, Shawn, William Saulsbery and wife, Selena, Michelle Boyer and husband, Chris, Jamie Danels and husband, Adrian and Ashley Stafford and husband, Kyle; grandchildren, Aidan, Vinny, Dylan, Sylvie, Sage, Alyssa, Abby, and Leota; siblings, Bill Saulsbery, Linda Redus, David Saulsbery and wife, Janet, and Charlotte McKnight and husband, Jimmy, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends. All whom will miss him dearly.

Willard was proud of his family and proud of his service in the United States Army and his time in the Vietnam War, 1967-69, First Air Calvary, Bravo Company. His family asks you to remember him as loving, caring, and absolutely hilarious.

He loved watching movies and TV shows with his family, Columbo, the A-Team and the Twilight Zone were favorites. He was a car guy and loved to tell stories of drag racing through the streets of St. Louis in his 20’s and never tired of looking at and discussing every muscle car under the sun. He would take anyone he could to join him in his favorite pastime, shooting at the firing range. He also enjoyed spending the bulk of his days flirting with/tormenting his wife.

What he achieved in this world was the greatest thing any man can hope to achieve, he was a great Dad. He kept his children safe, healthy, happy, and always smiling. Beyond that he was the funny, goofy, big, and strong Grandpa every little kid dreams of.

The people whose lives he touched and changed are too numerous to list here, but you all know who you are and how he felt about you. If he gave you trouble, you were in his good graces.

He was never short on ammo or laughs. Everyone that met him that he liked was a happier person after spending time with him, and has a story and a smile to go with it.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that you instead donate to Mt Vernon Veterans Home Assistance League. https://square.link/u/NBjXk8vh

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Klingner Cope Funeral Home at White Chapel, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M with Funeral service beginning at 5:00 P.M with Rev. Don Anderson officiating. Burial will be scheduled at a later date at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. with full military honors.

"We loved each other to the moon and back…but I always loved you more than that.”